'Sagrada Familia' Construction Faces Another Obstacle
Three Blocks Must Be Demolished for Completion
1000 Sites Including Residential and Businesses Affected
Dark clouds have once again gathered over the completion of Spain's 'Sagrada Familia,' which has been under construction for 141 years. This is because 1,000 households and businesses in residential areas face eviction due to the construction. It is also expected to become a major issue in the upcoming general election.
On the 21st, local media 'Europe News' reported that a dispute arose over the construction of the main entrance stairs of the Sagrada Familia cathedral. According to the media, the Sagrada Familia is now nearing completion and is preparing to install a massive staircase leading to the main entrance of the cathedral.
The problem lies in the fact that if the construction proceeds, three city blocks will have to be demolished. These areas already house 1,000 households and businesses. The foundation managing the construction of the Sagrada Familia intends to push forward with the plan, but residents' groups are firmly opposing it. The final decision rests with the Barcelona City Council, where the Sagrada Familia was established.
The city council has not yet made a decision. Euro News pointed out that Barcelona is facing city elections on the 28th. It is possible that no major decision will be made until after the regional general election.
In Barcelona, the dispute has already become a major political agenda. A city council spokesperson told the media, "We will work with representatives of the Sagrada Familia, neighboring residents, and other organizations to complete the work," emphasizing, "We are seeking the best solution."
However, the legal representative defending the residents' group told the media, "We will take all legal measures to stop the staircase construction work."
Meanwhile, the Sagrada Familia is a grand cathedral in Spain that began construction in 1882. It is the masterpiece of the genius architect Antoni Gaud?, nicknamed the 'Father of Spanish Architecture.' After Gaud?'s death in 1926, work has continued by interpreting the blueprints he left behind.
Having continued for over 140 years, the cathedral has endured numerous hardships. Construction was halted during the Spanish Civil War in 1936 and was only able to resume in the 1950s.
The Spanish government initially aimed to accelerate construction to complete it by 2026, the 100th anniversary of Gaud?'s death, but this schedule has also become uncertain due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, despite being an unfinished structure, the Sagrada Familia attracts more than 50 million tourists annually from around the world.
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